Mass and Music

One part of our Mass is music. We start by singing an opening hymn, and end by singing a closing hymn. One thing we don't often think about is how much of an impact music has on our worship experience. Some churches sing with exuberance, there are many singing and the music helps with our worship. Some churches have more somber music. There are not many singing and it does't help our worship experience. I have seen forms to block certain hymns because they are over played. And everyone has their favorites.

God gave us music as a form of prayer, and it's said that when we sing, we are praying twice. The opening hymn at Mass helps us gather. The closing hymn gives praise to our God. Our singing should be joyful. It only helps, even if you don't sing that well. I've been to churches where everyone sings, and the music is beautiful. I've also been to churches where the music is somber, the cantors can't sing, and most people aren't singing. And it's so much better to go to a church with joyful noise.

Next time you are at Mass, think about the music. Listen to the words. Sing, even if you aren't good at singing, or have a beautiful voice. You may be encouraging others. You may be impacting someone's faith. And you are surely having a great conversation with God.